Today was a tale of two totally different outcomes for Philadelphia's football and baseball team.

The Phillies have been hanging out in second and third place in the NL wild card race. They have been winning some games but have not been able to close teams out to make a strong push for the wild card lead.

Both the Phillies and Eagles had chances today to close out their opponents. The Phillies did, the Eagles did not.

With wins on Friday and Saturday over the Houston Astros, the Phillies completed a three game sweep today, behind two home runs from catcher Mike Leiberthal. The win moves them to within one game of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lost their division lead with a loss to San Diego today.

The Eagles on the other hand, had a 17 point lead over the New York Giants heading into the fourth quarter. Horrible execution, or lack there of, cost them the game and the chance to close out the Giants and take an early two game lead in the division.

It's funny, the Phillies are so close to a playoff spot, yet I am more bumed out today over the Eagles loss than I am excited about the Phillies win. You would think that any positive out of a Philadelphia team would excite me.

But there is something about the Eagles and all of the disappointments they have had this century. Maybe it is the fact that I don't expect much out of the Phillies. Year in and year out, they come up way short. I don't expect them to catch the wild card lead. And if they do, I don't expect them to hold onto it.

But I expect more from the Eagles. They blew those expectations today. They could not close the door, and it cost them.

It's amazing how, as a fan, I can feel so rejected after an Eagles loss.

It's more than just a game. It's part of my life.

So after the New York Giants overcame a 17-point deficit to defeat the Eagles in overtime today, I am very bummed out.

They had this game. All they had to do was put it away. But New York scored 17 points in the 4th quarter to tie the game. Philadelphia, meanwhile, could not move the ball.

Letting up a 17-point lead in the last quarter is ridiculous. The offense going into a shell as well is not what the Eagles needed.

There is no excuse for this loss. No way, it was a very important division game that should have given the Eagles an early two game lead over New York.

Leading 24-7 heading into the last quarter, the Giants completed a pass deep in Eagles territory. Plaxico Burress fumbled the ball into the end zone and Michael Lewis had a chance to recover, however, Tim Carter pounced on the ball in the endzone for a touchdown.

On the ensuing drive, Eagles running back Brian Westbrook fumbled, which led to an Amani Toomer TD. Jay Feely tied the game with a field goal with 15 seconds remaining.

The Eagles stopped the Giants on their first posession of overtime and after a nice return by Dexter Wynn on the punt, Phiadelphia failed to capitalize, going 3-and-out.

As they did in the 4th quarter, the Giants moved the ball at will, leading to a 31-yard touchdown to Burress to win the game.

The Eagles should be absolutely ashamed at their second half performance.
There was no way they should have lost this game. They blew a big opportunity to pull out in the NFC East.

This is a costly loss. No doubt.   This one hurts.  Not only is this a loss, but it is a division loss.  And a game the Eagles should have won with ease - not because the Giants are not a good team, because they are.  But because the Eagles had this game in their hands.   It was painful last year to see the Eagles fall apart.   It was just as painful today to see them fall apart again.

With the likes of Ryan Howard, Chase Utely, and Jimmy Rollins, Pat Burrell's name often gets lost in the shuffle.

It doesn't help that the Phillies slugger has been in a major funk. He is hitting only .255 with runners in scoring position this season, and only .157 with runners in scoring position with two outs.
That didn't matter last night, as the Phillies left fielder hit a two out grand slam in the first innning to stake Philadelphia out to a 4-0 lead over the Houston Astros.
But the Phillies did not have killer instinct. Instead, they held on for dear life and a 4-3 win.
Coupled with loses by San Diego and San Francisco, Philadelphia now stands alone in second place in the wild card, 1 1/2 games behind the Padres. For the rest of the story, visit: http://brianphillysports.blogspot.com/

Playing mediocre baseball down the stretch is not going to cut it.

The Philadelphia Phillies have a chance to take control of their own destiny and make the playoffs for the first time in 13 years.

But they have been unable to finish. The Phillies are 5-5 in their last 10 games.

They won the first two games of a four game series with the Florida Marlins, but failed to knock the Marlins out of playoff contention, losing the next two. They swept a double-header against Atlanta, but failed to complete the sweep with a 4-1 loss last night.

For the rest of the story, visit: http://brianphillysports.blogspot.com/

It's time for the Philadelphia Eagles to go out and take what is their's to take - a two game lead in a very tough NFC East.

With a win over the New York Giants, the Eagles would stand alone atop the division and be two ahead of the Giants and either the Dallas Cowboys or Washington Redskins (they are both 0-1 and play each other this weekend).

Make no mistake, this is a huge game for both Philadelphia and New York. It's early, but every single division game matters.

After a promising win over the Houston Texans, Philadelphia now needs to prove they can compete in the division, a year after going 0-6.

A Philadelphia win would be huge and give them a chance to go 4-0 with San Francisco and Green Bay next on the schedule, before a big division game against the Cowboys.

A New York loss would be huge because they play defending NFC Champion Seattle in week 3 and could easily go to 0-3.

The Giants looked really good against Indianapolis in week 1, but made a lot of mistakes, which cost them the game. Philadelphia will need to pressure Eli Manning into making mistakes, as well as stopping the always dangerous Tiki Barber.

Philadelphia will counter with Donovan McNabb, who accounted for 314 yards and three touchdowns in week 1. If McNabb continues to connect with new receiver Donte Stallworth to the tune of eight catches for 141 yards, the Eagles will be in good shape.

The national media picked the Eagles to finish last in the East. Now is their chance to prove them wrong.

But even more important, now is their chance to take a huge step towards getting back to where they belong - competing for a Super Bowl title.

Ok, I know it is only the end of week 1.  And I know the Eagles played Houston.  But I can't help feel a little bit of "I told you so" against the national media.

The Philadelphia Eagles have been given little respect by the national media heading into this season.  But they played very well in week 1.  The Cowboys dominated early but lost to Jacksonville.  The Giants played well but killed themselves with mistakes in a loss to the Colts.  And the Redskins, very overrated in my opinion, lost to the Vikings tonight.

So after week 1, Philadelphia sits by its lonesome atop the NFC East.

Sure, the NFC East is going to be a very tough division.  But how can the media count out the Eagles?

They have so much firepower on offense.  The D-line is fantastic and had five sacks against the Texans.

Why the media always counts out the Eagles, I have no clue.  But they are way wrong with their opinions this year.

This upcoming Sunday should be a good measuring stick, as the Giants come to town.

Philadelphia can hang with anyone in the league.  And they will have a good shot to send the Giants to 0-2.

Maybe then, the media will give them the respect they deserve.  And if not, then the Eagles will continue to fly under the radar, which is fine by me.

Funny comment from Sunday's game: Did anyone see Andy Reid's comment right before the touchdown pass to Donte Stallworth?  You could read his lips say, "watch this, watch this."   Then McNabb hit Stallworth for a a long TD.

Up until this point, everything was speculation.  But today, the truth was told, and full of surprises.  Here is a run down of week 1 in the NFL.

Biggest surprise game: Atlanta beats Carolina, 20-6.  Many picked the Panthers to win the Super Bowl, but they weren't so super against the Falcons.  Not having star receiver Steve Smith didn't help the Panthers.   After not making the playoffs last year, the Falcons made a statment that the Panthers are not going to run away with the NFC South.

Another surprise in the NFC South: A year after dominating throughout the season and making it into the playoffs, the Tampa Bay Bucs were manhandled by the Baltimore Ravens, 27-0 on their own turf.  Baltimore jumped out to a 17-0 lead at halftime.  Chris Simms threw 3 interceptions and Baltimore held Cadilac Williams to only 22 yards on the ground.

Manning against Manning: The biggest story of week 1 was older brother Peyton vs younger brother Eli.  The oldest brother won, 26-21.  The Giants ran all over the Colts with 186 yards on the ground, but mistakes and penalties killed the Giants.  Peyton threw for 276 yards and 1 TD and Eli threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns. 

Another surprise: The Denver Broncos went to the AFC Championship game last year, but they sure did not look like the team from last season against the Rams today.  Jeff Wilkins kicked six field goals and St. Louis beat Denver, 18-10.  Jake Plummer threw three interceptions.

The debut of Reggie Bush: When the Houston Texans passed on drafting Reggie Bush, the New Orleans Saints jumped on the chance to add the most electrifying player in the draft.  Bush finished the day with 61 yards on the ground, eight receptions for 58 yards and three punt returns for 22 yards as the Saints held on to beat the Cleveland Browns, 19-14.

And the team that did not draft Bush: The Houston Texans made a huge mistake on passing up on Reggie Bush.  Mario Williams, the top pick, finished with three tackles in a 24-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.  Donte Stallworth made Eagles fans forget all about T.O. with six receptions for 141 yards and a score.  Donovan McNabb looked great, tossing three touchdowns.

Speaking of T.O.: The Dalls Cowboys jumped all over the Jacksonville Jaguars early, but the Jags came storming back with 24 unanswered points and held on to win, 24-17.  Drew Bledsoe threw three interceptions.  Oh yeah, Owens had 6 catches for 80 yards and a TD (with no dance).

What happened to Seatlle's offense: Only nine points against the Detroit Lions!  The Seahawks, one of the most powerful offenses in the league, won with a last second field goal over the lowly Lions.

In other scores: New England 19, Buffalo 17; Cincinnatti 23, Kansas City 10; NY Jets 23, Tennessee 16; Chicago 26, Green Bay 0; Arizona 34, San Francisco 27; Pittsburgh 28, Miami 17.

The decision was a tough one for the Phillies last year.  Trade their star first baseman Jim Thome or trade their up and coming star first baseman, Ryan Howard.  Former GM Ed Wade did not screw this one up - thank goodness.

Howard was the NL Rookie of the Year last year after only playing a little more than half of a season.  He has lived up to the hype this year.

The young lefty who won this year's home run derby leads the majors with 48 home runs and 122 RBI.  He is also hitting a cool .294.

But Howards means more to the Phillies than just stats.  He is right smack in the middle of a lineup that also consists of young stars Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins.  But the Phils need Howard to roll.

The Phillies were out of the race when they traded players like Bobby Abreu and David Bell at the trade deadline.  Howard has led a resurgance ever since.  Before tonight, Philadelphia trailed in the Wild Card race by only a game and a half.

If not for Ryan Howard, the Phillies would not be in this race.  He is the most valuable player to his team.

In alphabetical order:

Dallas Cowboys

Why they will win - In the biggest move of the offseason, the Cowboys acquired one of the top receivers in the league in Terrell Owens.  Owens is a game breaker and opposite Terry Glenn, this tandum will be very tough to stop.  Dallas also has two very good running backs in Julius Jones and Marion Barber and a top notch TE in Jason Witten.  The defense is solid with star safety Roy Williams.  Mike Vanderjagt has joined the team as one of the best kickers in the NFL.

Why they will not win - T.O.  Bill Parcells is already visably annoyed with all of the media attention around Owens.  He can break a locker room apart - he did it in Philadelphia.  While Owens is solid on the field, he disrupts a team off of the field.  Owens was recently fined for missing meetings.  That coupled with the fact that the aging Drew Bledsoe is behind center could cause for some tension on the sideline.

New York Giants

Why they will win - Quarterback Eli Manning is coming into his own.  And if he is anything like his brother Peyton, watch out.  Tiki Barber is one of the best all around backs in the league, they have a top receiver in Plaxico Burress, and one of the top tight ends in Jeremy Shockey.    With the offseason acquisision of linebacker Lavar Arrington to go with Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, the defense is solid.

Why they will not win - Manning is still young and makes mistakes.  He looked horrible in the playoffs least year.  Strahan is getting old and has lost a step.  Barber has talked about retiring after this year and one has to wonder if he is wearing down.

Philadelphia Eagles

Why they will win - Coming off a horrible season, the Eagles have a lot to prove after not making the playoffs for the first time in 5 years.  Donovan McNabb is the divisions top quarterback.  Running back Brian Westbrook can hurt an opposing defense from anywhere on the field.  With the addition of receiver Donte Stallworth and the emergence of Reggie Brown, the offense is looking like it is going to put up a lot of points.  Both the offense and defense first teamers have looked fantastic in the pre-season.

Why they will not win - The second half of their schedule is brutal, with three straigh division road games, surrounded by games versus Indianapolis and Carolina.  Westbrook hurt his foot and misses time every year.

Washington Redskins

Why they will win - Washington has done a lot this offseason.  They added receivers Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, and running back TJ Duckett.  The Redskins already had pro bowlers Santana Moss and Clinton Portis.

Why they will not win - Quarterback Mark Brunell is getting old.  Portis is hurt and Washington has looked horrible this pre-season.

There you have it.  This will be the best division in football and two teams from the division will make the playoffs.  My guess is that it is the Cowboys and Eagles.

For those of you who have not heard this story...

Two high school football players from Kenton, Ohio placed a fake deer on a dark, windy road.  What they were trying to do, I don't know.  What they did was ruin the lives of two others.

Driving on this road, two other high schoolers saw the fake deer and swerved to avoid it, not knowing it was fake.  The two kids were in an accident and one has had 11 surguries and the other is now mentally hadicapped.

The case went to court and the judge decided that the two boys be sent to juvinile detention.

But here is what gets ridiculous.

The judge said that they could play in their high school football season for "rehab" before going to jail.  The case also went to a vote (I think it was school board members) who also determined the same thing.

Where is the accountability?  What are these kids being taught?

Look, I doubt the kids were trying to hurt anyone.  But choices have consequences.  And they ruined the lives of two others.  I can't imagine how furious the parents of the two who got hurt are.

What are your thoughts on this issue and how athletes are coddled?

Jerry Jones made a huge mistake by bringing in Terrell Owens and I think that Cowboys coach Bill Parcells wanted no part of it.

There is no question that Owens is a phenominal football player.  He is one of the top receivers in the game and could have a huge upside if he were on his best behavior.

But along with aquiring Owens comes being under the microscope - every single thing being analyzed by the media.

By my perception, Parcells is already agrivated.

Owens has been unable to practice most of the preseason due to a hamstring injury.  Rumors have it that Parcells demanded that the trainer get him back to practice.  Owens returned to practice only to have to stop again.  Parcells recently said he has to see Owens play before he can use him.

It looks like Parcells is using excuses.  He knows what T.O. can do on the field.  Owens is a proven player.  No doubt he is one of the best in the game.  What does he need to see? 

All of the attention that T.O. brings is just not worth it.  Sure, he can be a help on the field.  But the distractions far outweigh the good.

As a Philadelphia fan who already hated the Cowboys, I can't wait until this whole thing explodes. 

The above picture was a long time waiting for the Philadelphia Eagles and its fans.

All that waits now is a Super Bowl.

The Eagles enter this season as huge underdogs in a very tough NFC East.  It will be a dog fight, but if the Eagles can stay healthy, they have as good a shot as any team in the East of winning the division.  But the Eagles have what others do not - big game experience.

With McNabb returning to the ranks of the franchise QB and the talent he has surrounding him, Philadelphia is in a good position to make a run at it's second trip to the Super Bowl in three years.

Are there question marks?  Sure.  The Eagles don't have a stud WR.  They don't have a big running back.  While I would like for them to go out and get an upgrade receiver such as Ashley Lelie, they don't need him to have a chance to win the Super Bowl.

It's been a long time coming.  Philadelphia fans are still looking for a parade down Broad St.  This is the year they will get their wish.

Cather - current players are Mike Leiberthal and Chris Coste.  It is time for the Phillies to start over behind the plate.  With a high salary, it is unlikely Leiberthal will be back.  The Phillies could use a lower paid, good defensive catcher.

1st base - current player is Ryan Howard.  After trading Jim Thome in the offseason, Howard finally got a chance to be an every day player for a whole season.  He has not disappointed.  Howard leads the league in home runs and will be one of the young faces of this franchise for years to come.

2nd base - current player is Chase Utely.  Uttley has a 35 game hitting streak to his name this year.  He is evolving into one of the best offensive second baseman in the league.  Like Howard, Utely is young and has a lot of talent.  He will be around for a while.

Shortstop - current player is Jimmy Rollins.  He has speed, power, and is a great defensive player.  Rollins will be in a Phillies uniform for years to come.

Third base - current player is Abraham Nunez.  They traded away David Bell and Nunez has taken over as an every day player.  He is hitting below the mendoza line.  It is time for a change.

Outfield - current players are David Dellucci, Aaron Rowand, and Pat Burrell.  After trading away Bobby Abreu, Dellucci has proven he can be a quaility every-day player.  The Phillies shouls sign him.  Rowand is a terriffic center fielder.  Burrell is up in the air.  He has a big contract and a no-trade clause.  He is an ok player but if there is a chance to dump his salary, they should do so.

Veterans are supposed to come through when it really matters.

In a huge game that could have pulled the Philadelphia Phillies to within one game of the NL wild card lead, Tom Gordon allowed three earned runs in the ninth, allowing the Reds to once again put Philadelphia three games behind.

This came one night after Gordon blew a save opportunity.  Luckily, the Phillies were able to come back that time.

But last night, it was too much.  The Phillies did score one run in the ninth on a Jimmy Rollins home run.  But with two guys on and Ryan Howard at the plate, Cincinnati closer Eddie Guardardo got the NL homerun leader to strike out swinging.

Although Philadelphia is led by youngsters Chase Utley, Howard, and Rollins, it is the veterans who are going to have to come through if the Phillies have a chance at making a run at a playoff bearth.  Arguably their best pitcher this year and an All-Star, Gordon has faltered the past two nights. 

"I just didn't have the feel that I'd like to have," Gordon said after the game.

Well, if the Phillies want to have a shot this year, they will need to be able to close out games.

Hopefully Gordon can get that "feel" back soon.  Otherwise, it will be yet another long offseason.

So the Phillies have life afterall.

Philadelphia overcame deficits in the eigth and ninth innings last night to pull within two games of the wild card lead with a thrilling 6-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds.

With one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 14th, Aaron Rowand hit a line drive over the second basemans head. Earlier in the at-bat, a pitch was thrown that almost hit Rowand. But he mistakingly moved out of the way.

David Delluci led of the 14th with a single, Chase Utley walked and Ryan Howard was intentionally walked to load the bases. Because the Phillies did not have any position players left, relief pitcher Aaron Fultz had to bat. He lined out to a drawn in infield.

The Phillies have won seven of ten after dealing quite a few players at the trade deadline.

General Manager Pat Gillick addressed the media after the frenzy of trades and said the Phillis may not be in a position to compete until 2008. But the players have another idea. They think they can compete this year.

Stranger things have happened. Philadelphia is currently two games under .500. Arizone, Houston, and San Diego stand between them and the Reds.

There is no doubt the Phillies lineup is capable of scoring runs. But the doubt comes in their starting pitching, which has been at the bottom of the pile in the National League. The return of Randy Wofl will help. But it may not be enough to catch teams with strong pitching like the Reds and Astros.

But all you can ask for is a chance. And the Phillies have put themselves in a position to have a chance.

The problem is that the Phillies have to play the best team in the NL, the New York Mets, seven times this month.

We should know for sure sometime over the next couple weeks if the Phillies are contenders or pretenders. Whichever, they are fin to watch right now. With two more games against the Reds, the Phillies could be tied for the wild card lead by the end of the weekend.